81 Christmas Side Dishes: Best Cheap Ideas

Christmas is a special time to gather with friends and family to enjoy a meal. A holiday dinner is only complete with delicious Christmas side dishes to complement your main dish.

My guide will provide 81 delicious sides that are inexpensive, simple to prepare, and will make your holiday season memorable.

Side Dishes For Your Christmas Meal

Side dishes make a holiday meal more festive and delightful by enabling you to include different flavors and textures.

Side dishes can be delicious and affordable, allowing you to provide variety without spending a fortune.

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Traditional Holiday Side Dishes

Traditional side dishes are a great place to start when preparing your holiday menu.

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1) Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce

Apple cider makes this cranberry sauce a unique one. The warm spices of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger pair perfectly with tart cranberries.

2) Mashed Potatoes with Horseradish

You won’t be disappointed with this mashed potato version. The horseradish adds a subtle kick to the traditional creamy and buttery mashed potatoes.

3) Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry and orange create a tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey. This homemade sauce is easy to make and will make a delicious addition to your meal.

4) Caramelized Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes have a touch of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. They are the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

5) Spiced Cranberry Sauce

This spiced cranberry sauce combines different spices and brown sugar to create a rich, flavorful accompaniment to your holiday meal. It’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

6) Creamy Truffle Mashed Potatoes

These creamy mashed potatoes are enhanced with a delicate truffle oil infusion and topped with finely chopped chives. They are the perfect side dish for any special occasion or holiday feast..

7) Candied Sweet Potatoes

This sweet potato casserole has a glaze made from brown sugar and butter. Add marshmallows for an extra gooey dish.

8) Mandarin Orange Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce has the zesty flavor of mandarin oranges, offering a refreshing twist to this traditional side. You’ll love this tangy and sweet addition to your holiday table.

9) Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Fresh garlic makes these mashed potatoes not only easy but delicious. With the help of an Instant Pot, you’ll have perfect mashed potatoes in no time. Enjoy this simple yet savory side dish at your next gathering.

Unique Christmas Side Dishes

These unique Christmas side dish recipes will impress your guests at your holiday meal.

10) Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms

These mushrooms combine creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts. They are perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner or even as a holiday party appetizer.

11) Easy Vegan Creamy Gnocchi With Mushrooms

This dish features soft gnocchi in a luscious, creamy sauce with fresh thyme and a kick of garlic. This side would pair perfectly with a hearty main course, such as roasted vegetables.

12) Pesto Risotto

This pesto risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that perfectly combines the rich taste of Parmesan cheese with the fresh aroma of basil. Dress it up with lemon zest and pine nuts.

13) Easy Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin

A broccoli au gratin recipe makes a perfect side dish with the savory flavors of thyme and rosemary. This easy cheesy dish is topped with a delicious layer of melted cheddar cheese, making it a crowd pleaser for any occasion.

14) Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

This salad contains vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next dinner party. The roasted butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and the quinoa gives it a boost of protein.

15) Healthy Harvest Bowl with Grains

This side features kale tossed in a tangy Dijon mustard dressing. The ancient grains provide a variety of textures and flavors.

Starches and Grains

Starches and grains are another category of sides to include in your holiday menu.

16) Egyptian Rice with Vermicelli (Roz bel Shareya)

This delightful dish combines fluffy rice with golden-brown vermicelli. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any main dish.

17) Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts

This dish includes toasted pecans and pomegranate seeds. It’s a festive and flavorful side dish for any holiday or special occasion.

18) Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes are sliced and seasoned with fresh sage, complemented by the crunch of crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side to your holiday roast.

19) Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This scalloped potatoes dish recipe layers thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a classic side dish that your guests will love.

20) Instant Pot Baby Potatoes

The Instant Pot Baby Potatoes are a quick and convenient side dish. It only takes 5 minutes of prep time and cooks in just 10 minutes in the Instant Pot. These tender and flavorful potatoes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute side dish.

21) Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes with Ham Recipe

This classic dish combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with savory ham baked. This side dish is perfect for special occasions or holiday meals.

22) Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes

This gluten-free scalloped potato dish offers a delicious alternative for those with dietary restrictions. It features layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy sauce without gluten.

23) Parmesan Crusted Potato with Onion and Garlic Powder

These crispy potatoes with onion and garlic powder are a twist on classic roasted potatoes. My kids love these and they are easy to make.

24) Parsley Potatoes

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to jazz up your meal with tender potatoes with fresh parsley. This is a very easy dish that goes well with any main course.

Stuffing and Casseroles for Christmas Side Dishes

Stuffing and Casseroles are a delicious addition to your Christmas dinner.

25) Vegan Corn Casserole

This Vegan Corn Casserole is a delightful and hearty option for those seeking a gluten-free dish. You can use frozen, canned, or fresh corn.

26) Roasted Vegetable Casserole

This casserole combines a medley of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection. Crushed crackers makes makes a fun topping for this side.

27) Cornbread Stuffing

This recipe offers a delicious blend of moist cornbread and various herbs and spices, perfect for a comforting side dish. Add in some chopped apples or dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.

28) Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

This delicious casserole combines a rich, creamy cheese sauce with lots of vegetables. The prep time on this is only 5 minutes and it uses convenient ingredients such as frozen vegetables and canned soup, making it a quick and easy dish to throw together.

29) Easy Southern Dressing (Stuffing) in the Air Fryer

This stuffing is made effortlessly in the air fryer and is a quick and delicious alternative to traditional stuffing. The result is a crispy and flavorful dressing that friends and family will be sure to love.

30) Potato Egg Casserole

This potato casserole combines eggs, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard’s tangy flavor. It’s topped with shredded cheese.

31) Best Slow Cooker, Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe

This convenient recipe combines traditional flavors with a gluten-free twist. It’s perfect for the holidays or anytime you’re craving some delicious stuffing.

32) Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole is a unique dish that will make a standout addition to any meal. This side is perfect for holiday get-togethers.

Breads and Rolls

Add bread and rolls to your holiday spread.

33) Rosemary Garlic Bread

This fragrant yeast bread pairs perfectly with your holiday meal. The combination of rosemary and garlic will have your guests asking for seconds.

34) Cheesy Pull Apart Bread Wreath

Cheesy pull apart bread wreath is a fun bread for Christmas dinner. It’s easy to make and will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

35) Homemade Crescent Rolls

Freshly baked homemade crescent rolls with buttery, flaky layers are perfect for your gathering. Serve them as a side dish or use them as mini sandwiches for appetizers.

36) Gluten-Free Cornbread

This moist gluten-free cornbread is an excellent addition to your meal and a delicious option for those with food restrictions. It’s easy and fast to make , and you won’t even notice that it’s gluten-free!

37) Old Fashioned Sweet Yeast Dinner Rolls

These old-fashioned sweet yeast dinner rolls make a great addition to your menu. They are easy for beginner bakers.

Vegetable

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Vegetable Christmas Side Dishes

Check out this collection of Christmas side dish recipes to add flavorful variety to your holiday feast.

38) Braised Red Cabbage

Braised red cabbage is a flavorful side dish for your holiday get-together. Made with apple cider vinegar and red onion, this dish pairs well with roasted meats.

39) Easy Oven Roasted Carrots

These carrots are a simple yet delicious way to add a vibrant touch to your holiday table. Roasted in the oven with a garlic and herb seasoning, they are a healthy and flavorful side dish option.

40) Famous Lawry’s Creamed Spinach

Famous Lawry’s Creamed Spinach is a creamy and indulgent dish that complements any holiday meal. It’s one of my favorite holiday sides.

41) Roasted Asparagus and Carrots

These roasted asparagus and carrots provide an elegant and nutritious option. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them irresistible even to those who are not big fans of vegetables.

42) Green Beans and Mushrooms

Green beans and mushrooms make for a delightful and hearty side dish. This is a fast and easy dish to add green vegetables to your traditional holiday meal.

43) Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli

Brussels sprouts and broccoli make a good combo for a side dish. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice crunch.

44) Sautéed Delicata Squash with Sage

This simple yet flavorful dish offers a perfect blend of sweet squash with aromatic sage. This side can be made in less than 20 minutes.

45) Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

These roasted carrots are perfectly glazed with honey and balsamic vinegar and garnished with fresh parsley. This is a super easy and delicious side dish.

46) Amish Baked Corn

This creamy and comforting side dish brings a taste of traditional Amish cooking to your holiday table. Prep time is only 10 minutes.

47) Easy Sheet Pan Roasted Green Beans with Lemon

These green beans are roasted to perfection, and their zesty lemon flavor makes them a refreshing and easy holiday side dish. The recipe only requires a total of 10 minutes and 4 ingredients.

48) Maple Glazed Carrots With Thyme and Orange Zest

Maple glazed carrots are cooked to perfection and seasoned with fresh thyme and orange zest. This unique combination of flavors will delight your holiday guests.

49) Green Beans Almondine

This green bean dish includes fresh lemon juice, almonds, and shallots. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs well with any holiday meal.

50) Roasted Brussels Sprouts on Cheese Sauce With Prosciutto Crumbs

This indulgent dish features crispy roasted Brussels sprouts draped in a rich cheese sauce and crunchy prosciutto crumbs. Perfect for a special occasion such as birthdays and holidays.

51) Cauliflower Cheese

This indulgent dish features crispy roasted Brussels sprouts draped in a rich cheese sauce and crunchy prosciutto crumbs. Perfect for a special occasion such as birthdays and holidays.

52) Sautéed Butternut Squash Recipe

Enjoy sautéed butternut squash seasoned with a hint of cayenne pepper and garlic powder. This simple and delicious side dish is perfect for fall and winter meals.

53) Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Potatoes and Cranberries

This roasted Brussels sprouts with potatoes and cranberries dish is a delightful combination of earthy, sweet, and tart flavors. Nice Christmas colors, the recipe is so easy to make and will be a wonderful addition to any holiday dinner table.

54) Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots

This colorful dish contains dried cranberries and toasted pine nuts. Enjoy it for the holidays or for special occasions.

55) Smothered Green Beans

Indulge in these smothered green beans with bacon and shallots. This dish comes together quickly with only 5 ingredients.

56) Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus With Cheese

This delicious appetizer combines prosciutto with spreadable cheese, all wrapped around tender asparagus spears. Your guests will be impressed with this dish.

57) Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

This easy slow cooker creamed corn dish combines shredded cheese with crispy bacon. This colorful side is perfect for holiday meals.

58) Maple Bacon Carrots

This holiday dish combines sweet and savory flavors: tender carrots glazed with maple syrup and crispy bacon sprinkled with fresh oregano. A delicious addition to any festive meal.

59) Sweet Potato Souffle

Sweet potato soufflé has crunchy pecans and a bit of cinnamon sugar. This holiday side will not disappoint.

60) Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

These Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted and drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. This recipe takes only 5 minutes of prep time and uses just 4 ingredients.

61) Easy Mashed Turnips

This delightful side dish offers a creamy texture with a subtle earthy flavor. It’s a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes and can be easily customized with your choice of seasoning.

62) Candied Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts have vibrant flavors of sweet maple syrup with tangy balsamic vinegar. This recipe is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.

63) Holiday Carrot Casserole

Holiday carrot casserole has a crispy brown sugar walnut crumble topping. This is a fun and unique holiday side dish.

64) Creamed Cabbage with Bacon

This rich and savory dish combines tender cabbage with crisp bacon pieces. Impress your holiday guests with this side.

65) Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon

This holiday corn side is creamy because of creamed cheese and heavy cream and is garnished with green onions. Quick, easy and delicious!

66) Polish Green Beans with Buttery Bread Crumb Topping

Enjoy the delightful crunch of this traditional Polish dish featuring tender fresh green beans with a crunchy topping. This recipe uses fresh breadcrumbs and melted butter combined with fragrant garlic and fresh dill.

67) Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

This Brussels Sprouts dish combines a blend of tangy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries. This is a festive dish that your guests will certainly be impressed with.

68) Roasted Beet & Turnip Duo

This combination of roasted beets and turnips is quick to prepare and looks festive with fresh parsley. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter turnips, making this dish a great addition to any Christmas dinner.

69) Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

This green bean casserole has a generous topping of crispy fried onions. It’s a classic side dish for your holiday or family gathering, but it’s also great for any potluck dinner.

70) Cauliflower au Gratin

Cauliflower au Gratin features a delicious parmesan and gruyere cheese sauce. Even picky eaters have been known to love this casserole.

71) Southern-Style Green Beans

This green bean dish is a southern favorite, cooked with bacon and onions. This recipe has just the amount of crunch and flavor to make it truly unforgettable.

72) Traditional German Red Cabbage

German red cabbage is a classic dish that balances sweet and sour flavors for your holiday meal. This side comes together quickly, just under 20 minutes.

73) Roasted Mashed Cauliflower

This cauliflower dish is a healthy yet indulgent side. My family really enjoyed this cauliflower recipe.

74) Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Fresh rosemary and a crunchy pecan topping make this honey-roasted carrots and parsnips a winner. This side dish is perfect for holidays and special meals.

Salads for Christmas Side Dishes

Here are some fancy holiday salads to go with your meal.

75) Christmas Salad

This Christmas Salad adds a colorful twist to your holiday table. Its vibrant-colored ingredients are complemented by a creamy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing.

76) Festive Recipe for Winter Salad

This salad combines pears’ sweetness, pomegranate seeds’ tartness, goat cheese’s creaminess, and pecans’ crunch for a delightful holiday dish. Your guests will be impressed with this colorful holiday salad.

77) Christmas Fruit Salad

A delightful mix of multi-colored fruits and candied cranberries makes this salad a real treat. Perfect for the holiday season, this fruit salad is refreshing, light and beautifully presented.

78) Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

A delightful mix of multi-colored fruits and candied cranberries makes this salad a real treat. Perfect for the holiday season, this fruit salad is refreshing, light and beautifully presented.

79) Cranberry Fluff

Cranberry Fluff offers quick prep time and a deliciously creamy texture using Cool Whip. Everyone will enjoy this holiday dessert filled with crushed pineapple, marshmallows and fresh cranberries.

80) Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe with Parmesan Cheese

This salad contains crunchy pine nuts and a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice. It is light and refreshing, perfect for holidays and special get-togethers.

81) Kale Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Pesto Dressing

This kale salad contains sweet roasted pumpkin, crumbled feta cheese, and a flavorful pesto dressing. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side.

Tips for Planning Your Christmas Dinner Menu

Incorporate different flavors and textures, including traditional and new favorite side dishes and inexpensive appetizers into your holiday menu.

Balance Side Dishes with the Main Course

• When preparing your menu, take into account how many people you’ll be hosting for Christmas dinner.
• Choose sides that will pair well with your main course.
• Have a good balance of vegetables, starches, and proteins.

Timing and Preparation Tips

Proper timing and preparation will help you host a great holiday meal. Make a schedule for each dish so you can allot enough time to cook and present everything.

Prepare some dishes, such as desserts or salads, a day or two before the event.

Hosting Tips

Focus on managing your time wisely to make your event successful and enjoyable. Delegate tasks, especially if this is your first time hosting a Christmas dinner.

Create a Timeline

Developing a schedule or timeline for your Christmas dinner will help you have a stress-free meal.

Start by listing all the dishes you plan on serving. Break down your list by appetizers, sides, main course, and desserts. Allocate specific time slots for each dish based on their cooking times.

Delegating Tasks

Share the workload by delegating tasks to your family or friends for Christmas dinner preparation. Additionally, you can ask your guests to bring a dessert or other side dish. This will lighten your load and provide variety.

Setting Up a Self-Serve Station

Set up a self-serve station for side dishes to eliminate passing dishes around. This allows guests to help themselves and frees you from serving and refilling plates.

Dietary Restrictions

When planning your menu, take into account any food restrictions or allergies your guests may have.

Offer alternative side dish options for vegans, vegetarians, or those with gluten issues.

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Conclusion to Christmas Side Dishes

Classic Christmas side dishes perfectly complement any holiday spread. Adding new sides to your holiday menu can add variety and excitement.

Making Christmas Dinner Memorable

Side dishes may not always take center stage at your Christmas meal, but they are crucial in making the dinner a memorable and delicious experience.

With proper planning, delegation, and consideration of dietary restrictions, you can provide tasty side dishes to delight everyone at your holiday table.

Try New Recipes!

Experimenting with new Christmas side dishes can be fun and adventurous. It can breathe fresh life into your holiday gathering, surprise your guests, and maybe even create new traditions.

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